VINCI Highways celebrates 10 years of a pioneering US public-private partnership

On August 20, VINCI Highways joined its partner BBGI, representatives of the State of Indiana and local authorities to celebrate the project’s 10th anniversary in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Speakers included Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore; Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of River Ridge Development Authority; Alfonso Barona, Director of VINCI Highways North America; Barnardo Morgensztern, Director of BBGI; and Endaf Griffiths, General Manager of East End Crossing Partners. Together, they highlighted the concrete benefits East End Crossing has delivered to the region over the past decade, as well as the improvements and innovations that continue to prepare the infrastructure for future mobility needs.

A pioneering US public-private partnership

East End Crossing broke new ground as one of the first large-scale bi-state road public-private partnerships in the United States. Developed with the Indiana Finance Authority, the project brought together international and local expertise. VINCI Construction Grands Projets worked alongside leading US contractors to deliver the 12-km corridor, including the 762-meter cable-stayed Lewis and Clark Bridge, named after the two American explorers.

The infrastructure opened ahead of schedule in 2016 and achieved Envision Platinum certification for its sustainability standards.

Since opening, VINCI Highways and BBGI have operated the infrastructure through East End Crossing Partners, working with the State of Indiana and the Indiana Finance Authority under a long-term commitment extending to 2051.

Ten years of connectivity and regional growth

In ten years of service, East End Crossing has become an essential connection for the region. Today, up to one million vehicles use the bridge every month, supporting daily mobility and freight movements between Kentucky and Indiana.

Its impact can also be seen in the economic development around the crossing. River Ridge Commerce Center, a major business and logistics hub nearby, has seen its total economic output more than double since 2016, reaching $3.6 billion in 2025.

Continuously improving the infrastructure

For VINCI Highways and its partners, long-term operations means continuously improving the infrastructure and preparing it for new mobility needs. East End Crossing Partners recently upgraded pavement markings across the corridor to support autonomous vehicle navigation. The new markings improve visibility for camera-based vehicle systems while also providing better guidance for drivers in low-light or adverse weather conditions.

Solar panels have also been installed to produce renewable electricity. VINCI Highways has brought its Wild Meadows program to East End Crossing, working with local botanists and ecologists to create habitats for native plants and pollinators.

The program also illustrates how VINCI Highways’ international network benefits individual projects. First developed on our highways in Central Europe, Wild Meadows was adapted to the local environment in Indiana. Experience gained at East End Crossing is now supporting its introduction at Northwest Parkway in Colorado.

VINCI Highways, a long-term partner to US road mobility

East End Crossing has given VINCI Highways a decade of experience working alongside US public authorities and infrastructure partners.

Today, VINCI Highways is active in six US states, with East End Crossing between Indiana and Kentucky, Northwest Parkway in Colorado, and tolling services provided by ViaPlus in California, Texas and Georgia.

Building on this track record, VINCI Highways continues to develop its presence in the country as a long-term partner to US road mobility.